vocabulary anchor

Vocabulary AnchorThere are times when explicitly teaching new vocabulary is appropriate. Try using a vocabulary anchor to introduce a new term during whole group instruction. Using an interactive smartboard, facilitate a class discussion by introducing a new vocabulary word and a similar term. For instance, introduce the word 'colony' and identify the word 'state' as a similar term. Because students are familiar with the meaning of state, activate their knowledge by asking them what characteristics the two words have in common (+). Next, use the think aloud strategy to help students brainstorm how the term colony is unique (-).